A New Story: Broken

After arriving home late from work, Marsha had a fight with her husband.  The two screamed at one another with a ferocity that finally revealed what both knew for a long time.  They had built up resentment for each other over many years but suppressed it for the sake of appearances.  Neither was happy and blamed the other for their discontent. 

 

Venom spewed from husband and wife and arrows flew around the house.  Each target that suffered a blow caused a retaliatory strike.  Old ammunition was used and new exaggerations augmented the blast radius and effectiveness. 

 

The stress of the whole day, the argument and the situation with the card she took from Julie finally caused Marsha to reach her breaking point.  She suddenly began to sob.  Bob had endured this before.  Normally, seeing the one he once loved crying reminded him of their early days.  Bob would apologize and try to make things right.

 

Instead, her tears caused a feeling of revulsion to rise from the depths of his gut.  He screamed, “No, dammit, no you are not doing that again.  I’ve had it, do you hear me?  I’m done!  I can’t do this anymore!  Not one more minute!”  Then he ran up the stairs to the bedroom.  Marsha sat on the couch weak with tears.  She heard banging and crashing noises but could make no effort to move. 

 

Bob returned downstairs with a large suitcase.  Afraid of what this meant, Marsha shuddered as she asked, “Where you goin’?” 

 

“I’ve had it.  I’m leaving.”

 

“What do you mean, ‘leaving?’”

 

Bob stopped and looked at Marsha.  He leaned toward her and yelled with emphasis on each word, “I am leaving you!”  Fear gripped Marsha.  Primal thoughts of abandonment reached into her chest and removed her heart.  She could feel Bob trampling her heart with each of his words.  The sentence played in a continual loop.  All she could hear was, “I am leaving you!” 

 

She was paralyzed.  After forging her life as one who was in control, the earth shattered in that moment and she was lost in the oblivion.  She felt as though a child wanting to scream out for Bob not to leave.  Only muffled sobs followed Bob as he exited the house. 

 

Marsha was broken.  For the whole of her adult life she had to be in control.  She had to manipulate people and events to maintain what power she could possess.  It was her protection.  It was the way she shielded her soul from the world.  She didn’t comprehend the events and how they turned against her.  She only knew the abject brokenness she felt.  How could she go on?  How could she get up and go to work tomorrow? 

A New Story: Her Error

The work day was ending and Marsha was putting the finishing touches on a high profile project.  She saw movement in her mirror and glanced up as a knock came behind her.  It was Anita.  Anita said, “Hey, I’m done.  So glad to finally be getting outta here.  You about done?”

“Fifteen minutes or more and this project will be done.  I’ll be so happy to finally have this out of my hair.”

In a whisper, Anita asked, “You got a minute for a question.”

Marsha wanted to say decline even a minute but Anita was her friend.  “Sure, what’s up, darlin’?”

“You remember the other day when you were coming out of the bathroom and I was going in?”

Marsha lied, “Not really, why?”

“Well I noticed you were carrying your purse with you?”

Marsha was happy she planned for this eventuality.  When Anita asked why she had her purse, Marsha would say she had been spotting.  She was calm and ready for the question.  Anita continued, “Well, can you believe I happened to see Julie’s card in the garbage can in one of the stalls.”

Fear gripped Marsha.  Her throat began to dry and her mind raced.  Was Anita accusing her of having the card and throwing it into the garbage?  She was silent for some time and was certain the silence itself screamed her guilt.  Finally, she asked, “What’s your point, darlin’?”

“Well, I hate to say it but I got a good look at it.  The card envelope said, ‘Julie’ on it.”

Marsha shuddered in revulsion.  “Did you take the card out of the garbage can in the ladies room stall?  Anita that is disgusting.  How could you put your hand in there?  Ewww?”

Again in a quiet voice, Anita replied, “No, I didn’t put my hand in there.  I used some clean toilet paper on my hand and moved everything to the side.  The card said ‘Julie’ on it.  Someone must have stolen the card and later put it in the trash.”

“Did you tell anyone about it?”

“Just you right now.”

Anger began to rise in Marsha.  “Are you accusin’ me of taking Julie’s card, carryin’ it in my purse and then puttin’ it in the trash?”

Anita was stunned.  That thought never crossed her mind.  “No, no not at all.  I just mentioned your purse so you would remember the day I was talking about.”

“Then why did you wait all these days before tellin’ me?”

“I forgot.”  Anita sheepishly replied. 

Marsha eyed her friend as the anger simmered.  Slowly her nerves subsided.  That girl can be such an empty headed twit.  “And you haven’t told anyone about this?”

“No, no one.  Management doesn’t need to know everything, right?”

She was an empty headed twit but she was a loyal one.  Marsha replied, “Right!  And let’s keep that way okay?”

“Deal!”

“Go on. git outta here so I can finish this.  I’m sorry I thought you were accusing’ me of somethin’. 

“It’s okay.  I should have explained myself better.”

After Anita departed, Marsha turned her attention to the computer.  She looked at a document and began inputting information and numbers from where she thought she left off before the interruption.

After finishing, she looked over the report.  Everything looked perfect.  She started closing programs and getting her personal items from the drawer.  She clicked off the lamp next to her computer and walked to the hallway.  She was pleased to finally have the work off her plate.  It was now in her manager’s hands.  She would learn in the morning he was not pleased with her error.

Love, Only Love

Circumstances had taken their one and only. 

A youngster killed during a tragic storm. 

With wrenched hearts mourned.

A miracle child was lost.

The world moved on without them.

 

One day the clouds showed a ray of hope.

Life would never be the same but

They knew they could still love

 

A troubled and abused child entered their home

Angry and scared

Attack his defense

He didn’t understand these people

They spoke words like

Care, security, freedom, love

All so foreign

 

When his protective shell was probed, he acted out

They loved him anyway

They offered kindness

He parried with sarcasm

The extended understanding

He deflected with indifference

 

His soul remembered a time he believed in love

It is how a child thrives

How he wished they really were who they claimed to be

But adults only disappointed at best

Crushed at worst

 

Love is a beacon

A candle in the rain

It never stops its pull
Love, only love

 

Why do you love me?

Because we are full of love for you
You are worth it

How can I trust you?

Love always seeks the best even when the object of love doesn’t see the best

What if I disappoint you?

We will love you anyway? We don’t want perfection. 

 

Slowly, love’s purity soaked through the wall

A shattered heart began to mend

Wholeness was restored

How can I repay you?

Do unto another as we have done for you

 

Each life is hope for another.

Your story can be the beacon, the hope for a broken, fallen world

Let your tragedy become triumph

Love, only love

 

Duane Windell Phillips

Copyright November 2016

A New Story: Amore Mio

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the lights were dimmed inside.  Julie asked, “Are they open?”  Marcus put the car in Park and said, “Let’s find out.”  They he exited the car and ran around to Julie’s side and opened her door.  He extended his hand as she swung her right leg out.  He said softly, “My lady.” 

“Dear sir.”

They went to the door and looked at the operating hours.  They were closed for 36 more minutes.  Julie looked at Marcus.  Had he been mistaken about the time?  Did he originally plan to spend more time at the park?  Marcus tried the door.  It was open.  They stepped inside.  An elderly gentleman approach and said in Italian, “I’m sorry but we are closed.” 

Marcus replied, “Ho una prenotazione per due. Hughes” (I have a reservation, Hughes.)

“Oh si, si.  Proprio in questo modo.”  (Yes, yes.  This way.)

“Grazie.” (Thank you.)

Julie whispered, “I didn’t know you speak Italian.”

“Two years in college and a year of Latin in high school.  I remember the basics.”

They were seated at a table next to the fireplace which was quite warm.  Marcus offered the seat nearest the fire to Julie.  The man pulled the chair out for Julie then for Marcus.  Then he placed napkins on their laps.  Next, he brought menus and glasses of water and antipasto .  Marcus noticed the vase on the table had no flowers in it yet all the other tables had flowers in the vase.  He mentioned this to Julie.  She mused they simply must have been an oversight.  When the waiter returned, he spoke to the waiter in Italian gesturing to the empty vase and the other tables.  The man nodded and went to the kitchen. 

When he returned, he carried a single red rose.  Two other men walked behind him.  The first held a large bouquet of lilies and the next man held a violin.  The rose was placed into the vase on the table.  The next man gave the bouquet to Julie.  The violin began playing and the trio began to sing. 

Sapore di sale, sapore di mare

che hai sulla pelle, che hai sulle labbra
quando esci dall'acqua e ti vieni a sdraiare
vicino a me, vicino a me

The men stood at corners of the table and crooned looking straight ahead.  Each sung with passion as if he himself were trying to win Julie’s hand.  Both Marcus and Julie looked up from one man to the next.  Marcus then gazed at Julie.  She was smiling.  He didn’t fully understand the words but felt them falling like raindrops on a dry land.   Julie had no understanding of the words but something in her heart told her it was about love. 

Once the song was finished, Marcus stood and shook hands with each of the men.  Then to his friend, he said, “Aldo, man, that was great.  Thanks a lot.”  Staying in character, Aldo replied, “E 'mio piacere, signore.” (My pleasure sir.)

With a laugh, Marcus said, “You can stop now, man.  I know you speak English.” 

By this time, the restaurant was officially open and patrons began filling the tables.  Aldo introduced himself to Julie.  Then he introduced his father and uncle.  He continued, “It is our pleasure to serve both of you today.  You sit back and relax.  We are going to take good care of you.” 

Each course was scrumptious.  Each bite, delectable.  By the 4^th course, both Marcus and Julie were full.  Marcus asked Julie, “Have you ever heard of the comedian, John Pinette?” 

“No, why.”

“He does a comedy bit about an Italian restaurant he went to.  He says ‘You know how when you are full you loosen your belt?  Well, pants were down around my ankles.’”

Julie laughed heartily.  “I can relate to that thought.  I’m glad I don’t have pants on but you’ll need to wheel me to the car.”

As the evening finished and Marcus drove Julie to her apartment, he said, “If you aren’t too full or tired, there is something I’d like to recite to you when we get to your place.”

“Ok, that would be fine.  Just so you know my roommate will probably be there.”

Marcus hadn’t planned on going into the apartment.  That was too much to ask.  That Anna would be there was no problem.  He was happy to have a few more moments with Julie.  Once the moment came for him to recite poetry, Marcus suddenly felt awkward.  He could picture Anna laughing at him.  Then again, with Julie’s sense of humor, she may laugh too.  From memory, he haltingly began,

“When in your enjoyable presence
I am like a child
My actions are course and wild
You beauty lights the sky
Oh my goddess, my love
May I hold your hand, my dove?”

Then Marcus took Julie’s hand.  He continued:

“Dear beloved, oh beauty sweet
I give you my heart
All I ask is a start”

Then he said, “I know it sounds corny and I’m not the most romantic guy in the world.  I also know I’m no poet but, you mean the world to me.  I really want to have an exclusive relationship with you.” 

Julie started to reply when Anna said, “Excuse me.”  Then she went to her room and shut the door.  The couple laughed.  Then Julie said, “I would love to be in a serious relationship with you.”  The two touched noses.  Marcus looked intently into Julie’s eyes.  He felt a magnetism pulling his lips to hers but he fought the urge.  He caressed her cheek and stroked her hair.  Then he softly kissed her left cheek with small kisses, working his way to her ear.  He softly bit her ear lobe and Julie squirmed involuntarily.  He began to kiss her neck.  Julie could wait no longer.  She pulled away momentarily and then kissed him firmly, passionately on the lips.  In between kisses, Marcus repeatedly said, “Amore mio.”

A New Story: Make a Wish

The parking area held few cars.  Sunset was coming quickly.  Marcus parked the car in the same spot John parked his jeep the day they all hiked.  Julie asked, “Why are we here?”  I’m not dressed for a hike.  Neither are you.”

 

“Even though I knew I was interested in you when we met at work, it was hiking that day that I knew I really liked you.”  Marcus wanted to say “Love” but didn’t want to rush things.  He continued, “I love nature.  To me, few things are more romantic than the beauty of nature.  Since our relationship started here, I want to take the next step in our relationship here.”  His heart pounded.  He squeezed her hand and leaned in to kiss Julie.  She met him halfway.  Her lips felt ever so soft and sweet.  Then he added, “Let’s take a short walk.”  Then he quickly exited the car. 

 

Julie felt uneasy about this.  Neither was dressed appropriately for a stroll in the park.  Not this park anyway. Nevertheless, she relented and began to open the door when Marcus was opening it for her as he did when they left her apartment.  He was being quite the gentleman.  It made her feel a little uneasy.  No boyfriend of hers did this before.  Still, it made here feel special, cherished.  She decided to savor these feelings.  They walked hand in hand to a bench that overlooked the lake.  The breeze was cold and Marcus removed his coat and placed it on her shoulders.  He added, “Don’t worry, this won’t take long.”

 

They sat on the bench and Marcus put his arm around Julie, pulling her close.  He felt her shiver briefly and apologized saying, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t expect it to be this cold.  It won’t be much longer if you can hold on.  If not, we can go.”

 

“No, I’m ok.”

 

“I’ll just tell you.  When the first star appears, which should be Venus tonight, I want us both to make a wish.  I can’t promise where our relationship will go but in five years, if we are still together, I want us to share what we wished for.” 

 

“Okay.”

 

“I see this moment as one full of promise.  It’s an open door and the possibilities are endless.”

 

Julie heard him and the thought warmed her heart but she was intent on finding the first star.  Marcus was saying, “Possibilities are” when she exclaimed, “I see it!”

 

“Oh yeah, there it is.  Okay, make a wish but don’t tell me what it is.  That is for later.”

 

Both made wishes and Julie said, “Let’s get outta here.”

 

Once back in the car, Marcus apologized.  “I’m so sorry.  I was trying to create the perfect night.  Guess we coulda done this from the car.  I wasn’t thinking.  I’m really sorry.”

 

“It’s ok.  Once I warm up I’ll appreciate it more.  Besides, if we ever do get married, I’ll tell our kids you tried to freeze me to death to get me to say yes to your proposal.”

 

Marcus smiled, “I like your sense of humor.  He took her hands into his and kissed them softly, tenderly.  Then he softly breathed on them.  She appreciated the warm breath on her fingers.  “Don’t say I’m not trying to warm you up.” 

 

“Ok, I’m warming up.  What’s next?”

 

“Are you hungry?”

 

“You bet!  Where we going?”

 

“You like Italian?”

 

“I hate Italian.”

 

Marcus was stunned.  Who hated Italian food?  His mind raced.  What should he do?  Then Julie added, “Gotcha.”

 

“Oh, I’m gonna get you!”

 

“Let’s get outta here.  I’m starvin’.”

 

They discussed the restaurant where they would dine.  Julie had heard good things about it but never dined there before.  Marcus simply said, “I think we are in for a treat."

A New Story: Just Wait Dearest

Marcus had a friend whose family owned a local Italian restaurant.  From grandparents to grandchildren, the whole family worked there and it was a genuine Italian atmosphere.  The waiters served from a platter onto your plates in courses.  After dessert, you were served espresso.  The family would assist Marcus in making it a special night.

He spent his Saturday morning washing the car, buying flowers and picking up his suit and shirt from the dry cleaner.  Julie was kept in the dark about the plans for the evening.  She only knew he would pick her up at 4:00 PM.  He wished it was winter instead of autumn.  While Marcus liked Fall colors, the thought of walking hand in hand with Julie with fluffy snowflakes drifting down made him sigh.  He could picture the quiet and serenity of such a time with her.  He hoped it would happen in a few months. 

While dressing, Marcus paid particular attention to the details.  He wasn’t happy with some of the wrinkles in the shirt.  The dry cleaner shouldn’t have left them on the sleeves but it was too late to worry about that now.  He was just happy the suit jacket would hide the wrinkles.  He redid his tie three times to get the proper length.  Once finished with the tie, he added a matching color handkerchief square in the suit pocket.  Finally, he put a handkerchief in the right front pocket of his pants.  His mother used to stress the importance of a gentleman having one.  He didn’t plan on using it but it would make his mother happy.  He may even tell her about the date just so he could mention the handkerchief. 

He arrived at Julie’s apartment at 3:56.  A woman about Julie’s age opened the door.  “Hi, you must be Marcus. I’m Anna, Julie’s roommate.”  She put out her hand and Marcus extended his as she continued, “Come on in.  We are still getting ready.  It’ll be a few more minutes.  Why don’t you sit for a bit and she’ll be right out.”

“Uh, ok.  Nice to meet you, Anna.” 

Anna hurried down the hallway to the second door on the right.  She closed the door after entering.  Marcus sat on one end of the couch and looked around the room.  The furnishings were a hodgepodge of items.  He mused they were either hand-me-downs or garage sale items.  They were somewhat worn but clean.  While he was sure each item was purchased separately, the ensemble worked together to give a feel a comfort and home.  The smell of a lavender candle in the kitchen filled the room. 

Marcus saw some pictures on pictures on a table more on the wall above.  He stood and waked over for closer inspection.  Most of them appeared to be Anna’s pictures.  One frame had a collage that showed Anna as a child, teen and college graduate.  From the photos, Marcus mused she had two siblings.  Then he turned his focus to the two photographs of Julie. 

The largest was a professional photo of Julie and her family.  It appeared Julie was the second of three children.  The picture had the parents seated with the three girls standing behind them.  The whole family had clear blue eyes.  Marcus was drawn to Julie.  Though her smile was genuine, her eyes seemed tired.  His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening.  Anna stepped out and gestured toward the door she exited and loudly exclaimed, “Ta da!”

Julie stepped out with a nervous energy and looked into Marcus’s eyes and smiled.  His heart leapt for joy at the vision before him.  Julie wore a black sleeveless dress with a white scarf tied around the waist.  Her hair was up which, other than being in a ponytail, was a new look.  Marcus loved it.  His mind repeatedly reviewed the vision before him.  It would forever be imprinted in his brain. 

Marcus stepped toward Julie as Anna asked, “How’s she look?”

 “Stunning, incredible.”  He held out his hand when he reached Julie and she took hold of them.  Then he added with emotion, “You look beautiful!”  Julie beamed. 

Anna walked to the kitchen saying, “Ok you two.  Get a room!”

As the couple walked out to the car, Julie asked, “So what are we doing tonight?”

“Just wait, dearest.  Just wait.”

A New Story: Give em Something to Talk About

Lunch at the Greek restaurant, which was next to the Cuban place, was nice.  Julie and Marcus had finished eating when Marcus said something that caused time to stop.  Julie’s heart pumped with intensity.  Her whole body warmed as her mind replayed the words Marcus just told her.  He said, “I like you a lot and want to get to know you better.  Will you go out to dinner with me?”

Everything within her screamed to kiss him.  Her reply should be a resounding “Yes!”  Instead, she smiled, squeezed his hand tightly and said, “I guess my choking in the break room that day really made an impression, huh?”

Marcus stared at Julie trying to comprehend her reply.  Suddenly, they both burst into laughter.  Now that the excitement of the moment was tempered by the laugh, Julie calmly said, “Marcus, I would love to out to dinner with you.  You have made me so happy.  I could kiss you right now.”

“As happy as that makes me, let’s wait on it for now.”  Then Marcus gestured with his head toward the door.  Marsha and Anita walked in.  Julie turned to see what Marcus saw and returned her gaze to the man seated in front of her.  With a hint of bitterness she said. “I don’t trust that woman.”

“The more I hear, the more I agree with you.  I’m sure the gossip is flying about us.”

“Let’s give em something to talk about.”  With that, Julie leaned across the table and kissed Marcus

Marsha spied them upon entering the restaurant but wasn’t looking in their direction at that moment.  Anita saw the kiss and the couple watched her as she leaned toward Marsha and said something.  Marsha leaned in the direction of her friend to hear more clearly.  Marcus and Julie watch the two as Marcus quietly said in unison with their body actions:
“Marsha, Marsha, Julie kissed Marcus.”  “What did you say?”  “Julie kissed Marcus.”

Julie was grinning as he did this.  Once Marsha understood what was whispered in her ear, the two ladies turned to face Marcus and Julie.  Marcus waved and Julie gave a sweet, innocent smile.  Marsha rolled her eyes and returned to ordering her meal.  Anita continued looking absent mindedly at the young couple.  Finally, she turned and placed her order.  Marcus chuckled and said, “Let’s get outta here.”  They quickly exited and returned to work holding hands.

Anita noticed Marsha was quiet while they ate and it made her uncomfortable.  She began commenting on various group emails recently sent at work.  Normally, this would get Marsha going about the waste of time spent when everyone insisted on replying to all for every little remark.  Marsha was one who liked things to the point and streamlined.  Excesses bother her.  Instead, she was preoccupied.  Anita knew her mind was elsewhere.  She wasn’t her normal “take charge” self.  Anita simply didn’t know how to approach the issue.

Marsha sat and ate mechanically.  Her mind was awash with thoughts.  While she was certain the whole deal with Julie’s missing card would never come back to haunt her, she had a lingering feeling it wasn’t over yet.  Seeing Julie’s smile bothered her.  Julie must be on to her.  Why else would the two of them mock her like that?  She felt as if the two of them were biding their time before pouncing. 

However, they had no proof she took it.  No card was found in her possession.  The card has never been found and cannot be found now.  It was put in the trash days ago.  She was in the clear regardless of what they think they know.